MEET OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Andrea Sawyer-Kirksey has almost 30 years of experience as an educator, justice advocate, and program development professional. She began working at (DOOR), now doing business as We Collectively as an Assistant City Director and was promoted to Executive Director in 2018.

Andrea is a sought-after speaker on the topics of anti-racism, cultural humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She speaks in practical terms about developing local leaders through programs that are people-of-color-centered.

She earned both her bachelor’s degree in recreation administration with a minor in youth ministry, and her master’s degree in ministry from Bethel University in South Bend, Indiana. She also received an executive scholar certificate in nonprofit management from the Kellogg Center for Nonprofit Management in 2018.

In 2018, Crain’s Chicago Business named her to their list of notable LGBTQ executives in Chicago. In 2020, she was selected to participate with the Chicago Foundation for Women in their Willie’s Warriors program, a leadership initiative for women of color. Andrea also serves on the Board of More Light Presbyterians, an LGBTQIA+ advocacy group. Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Andrea and her wife, Nanette, now live in Rogers Park.

Check out Andrea’s recent article describing our organizational shift to We Collectively.